Innovative programs are being implemented at Greenville Public School District.
At Tuesday’s Greenville City Council Meeting, faculty and staff of GPSD discussed the different programs offered at Greenville High School (GHS) and Greenville Technical Center (GTC).
The Early College Program, GHS Pipeline Initiatives including medical, manufacturing and computer science and the Certified Nursing Aid programs, are the programs being offered.
“We wanted to look at something that will change the lives of our students and provide as many opportunities as possible,” said GHS principal Melvin Brown.
Early College Program
The Early College Program is the fifth Early College High School (ECHS) established in Mississippi. The program started during the 2018-2019 school year and included 26 students. Students who are a part of the ECHS are entering from the 8th grade. GPSD’s ECHS is the first to associate with the Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). This year, there are 55 students enrolled.
GHS Pipeline Initiative
The pipeline is supported by State Rep. John Hines, Washington County Economic Council, State Representative Orlando Paden, Mayor Errick Simmons, Greenville City Council and the Washington County Board of Supervisors.
Computer Science and Tech Pipeline
GHS Computer Science and Art teacher Mario Rios said he saw a need to get more students involved in computer science and tech-related fields.
“I applied for and received a fellowship paid for by Teacher for America to teach courses in computer science and coding,” Rios said.
Greenville High School then partnered with GPSD’s IT Department, MVSU and Mississippi Research & Curriculum Unit to host a day of coding at the high school. The City of Greenville, Delta Regional Medical Center, Suddenlink, Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa, TecInfo and Trop Casino were all invited to address students about their careers featuring computer science and technology.
“Partners are committed to working with the school to provide employment opportunities for students upon completion of the certification process,” Technical Center director Tarrinasha Brown-Jones said.
Manufacturing Pipeline
The manufacturing pipeline is housed at GTC. The piloted Level 1 program was established in 2018-2019 school year and is the only secondary manufacturing basic program in the state.
“Upon completion of the program, students will leave with OSHA 10, forklift training, first aid/CPR, work keys and NCCER Core certifications,” Brown-Jones said.
Partners for the manufacturing pipeline are Washington County Economic Alliance, CAPPS center, Mars and USG.
“A lot of our students don’t want to leave Greenville, but think they don’t have a choice. With this particular program, they will have one,” Brown-Jones said.
Medical Pipeline
In the 2018-2019 school year, there were 262 students who participated in the medical pipeline.
The focus of the program is to expose students to a variety of medical professions, primarily short-term programs such as CNA, EMT, Phlebotomy and Pharmacy Technicians. Students have participated in interactive presentations from DRMC staff members and board members, dietitians, nutritionists, human resource director, information system director, registered nurse and security. Students also get to tour behind the scenes of local hospitals, pathology/microbiology labs, emergency rooms, NICU, cardiology, radiology, x-ray technicians, emergency helicopters and ambulance. Also, students received hands on experiences. Last year, two seniors were certified as Emergency Medical Technicians with Coahoma Community College. Six additional students will be enrolled in the EMT program this year.
Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Last year, there were 10 Level 2 Health Science students in the program, all of whom completed the CNA program offered at the technical center in spring 2019. Those students were offered positions at area nursing facilities and Delta Regional Medical Center.
For the 2019-2020 school year, GPSD plans to partner up with the city of Greenville, Greenville Police Department, Greenville Fire Department, Washington County Board of Supervisors and Washington County Sheriff’s Department for a government and public safety program.
GPSD plans to partner up with USDA-ARS, Delta Research and Extension Center and Delta State University for an agriculture and research and development program.
